Spectrograph Scattered Light Characterization for Exoplanet Research

My group's research research leverages ground- and space-based telescopes to discover exoplanets, measure their fundamental properties, and search for patterns that are the fossil record of planet formation.

In this project, the student will design a suite of tests to characterize the extent to which scattered light affects the performance of the newly commissioned Keck Planet Finder.  The tests will be applied to recent and historic images to determine the extent to which an unintended instrument detonation has impacted science performance.  A student who has the following skills would be most well-positioned to succeed:
  • file handing with the .fits data standard
  • image analysis using statistical techniques
Name of research group, project, or lab
The Astroweiss Group
Logistics Information:
Project categories
Physics & Astronomy
Student ranks applicable
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications

A student who has successfully completed Modern Observational Techniques (PHYS 50481) will be qualified to perform this research.

Hours per week
2 credits / 6-12 hours
3 credits / 12+ hours
Compensation
Research for Credit
Number of openings
1
Project start
Fall 2026
This project will use an Expectations and Structure agreement.
Expectations and Structure

My expectations for all researchers in my lab are detailed here: https://www.astroweiss.com/group#h.nq9kl45io4t

 

Contact Information:
Mentor
lweiss4@nd.edu
Principal Investigator
Name of project director or principal investigator
Lauren Weiss
Email address of project director or principal investigator
lweiss4@nd.edu
1 sp. | 0 appl.
Hours per week
2 credits / 6-12 hours (+1)
2 credits / 6-12 hours3 credits / 12+ hours
Project categories
Physics & Astronomy